Grbesa has instead signed with the new boys on the block, Gungahlin United, to add to what has been a stellar recruiting spree for the club's inaugural National Premier League campaign.

The 27-year-old central defender played his junior football with Canberra FC and spent the past six seasons there, but did not agree with the decision to axe Junna midway through the year.

"I thought my opinion would be enough for them to stick it out with Ray, but they obviously went against what I had to say," Grbesa said.

"I wasn't even going to play last year, but Ray rang me personally because he was my coach at the AIS and asked if I could give him a hand.

"What happened to him didn't sit the best with me."

After starting the season as Canberra FC's technical director, former Socceroo Bernal took over the coaching role for the rest of the year.

But despite the team reaching the grand final and losing to Belconnen United in a penalty shootout, Bernal was not reappointed for next season.

"It was lucky Andy was there to take over, because he's another guy I respect," Grbesa said.

"When they didn't give him the job again,

Canberra FC declined to comment.

Grbesa will be reunited with Bernal, who has joined Gungahlin United as the club's head of recruitment.

Gungahlin United has assembled an impressive playing squad under new coach Claudio Canosa.

Belconnen United veteran Dustin Wells

Grbesa is excited at the opportunity to be a part of the club's inaugural season in the NPL.

"The quality of the players there and the set-up of the club shows why a lot of people want to get involved," Grbesa said.

"It obviously helps that Claudio has a lot of coaching experience and he's someone I can learn a lot from.

"It's definitely going in the right direction."

Grbesa's departure is a blow for Canberra FC and new coach Zoran Glavinic.

Canberra FC has recruited strongly, bringing in Robbie Deeley, Joel Valtonen (both Canberra Olympic), Thomas James (Monaro Panthers) and Muad Zwed (Tuggeranong United).